Visit a New Country

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Having never watched a Bond film all the way through, I can’t say which villain said, ‘The World is not enough,’ but I understand the sentiment entirely. For me, fifty-one countries was not enough and I’ve a sneaky feeling that fifty-two won’t last much longer either. 

Speaking of The World, the current situation had left many options closed but Portugal was open and was the last large country (non tax haven) in Western Europe that I hadn’t had the pleasure of so that was that; the choice felt a little out of my hands. 

Being part of a family is a privilege I dreamed not of but since it’s come my way, I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly and this means travelling in a different way- in an all-inclusive beach way! 

Whilst I’m no stranger to a day or two by the pool, I’m more of an explorer so we’d have to mix it up a bit and The Algarve is certainly worth exploring. 

Albufeira old town is simply enchanting. The narrow streets and architecture within feel too romantic to be true so we wandered hither and thither without a care in the world. As it wasn’t high season, we secured a table right on the square for a midday meal and watched the world pass us by. 

On our penultimate day, we took a boat trip from Vilamoura Marina. After admiring the many yachts moored up, we took a three hour round trip along the coast and through a small cave system. This was a great way to feel like a traveller but still fun for all. We admired the five kilometre beach we’d visited a few days earlier from an different perspective and it was stunning! 

Everywhere we went, the Portuguese people were charming, friendly and more than helpful and my lack of any other language but English didn’t hinder me one bit. We took the road train, booked the boat trip and ordered food and drink while out and about and whilst we weren’t intrepid explorers, we certainly got more than an all-in experience. 

Why I’d not been to The Algarve or Portugal is a mystery but I will certainly return one day. In the meantime, more of Eastern Europe is calling.